Water storage and supply system



March 29, 1938.

R. V. WARD WATER STORAGE AND SUPPLY SYSTEM Filed July 13, 1956 INVENTOR.

Patented Mar. 29, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 13 Claims.

The present invention relates to an improved water storage and supplysystem for irrigation, domestic and public usages.

An object of this invention is to provide a system of reservoirs, pumpsand service lines which will obtain the full benefits of reliability offlow resulting from availability of reservoir storage, with a minimumamount of power to maintain the necessary reservoir supply and with aminimum pressure on the supply and service lines.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system such as describedwhich will materially reduce pumping operations and costs, eliminatehigh operating pressure, and minimize pipe line leakage.

A further object of the invention is to provide a system of thecharacter described wherein the pumping of water to high elevations tomaintain the necessary reservoir supply is materially reduced, the costsof installation and operation are lessened, and a better regulation ofthe water storage and of the operating lines and equipment are,therefore, made possible.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a system of thecharacter described wherein one reservoir is arranged below anotherreservoir, and has a service line leading therefrom, and is continuouslysupplied with water from a well, gravity flow source or the like, saidlower reservoir being controlled by means which will automaticallysupply water thereto from the higher reservoir only when the water inthe lower reservoir drops below a predetermined level and will pumpwater therefrom to the higher reservoir only when the water in the lowerreservoir rises above said predetermined level.

Other objects may appear in the description of my device hereinafterfollowing.

I have shown a preferred form of device embodying my improvements in theaccompanying drawing, subject to modification, within the scope of theappended claims, without departing from the spirit thereof.

In said drawing:

45 Fig. 1 is a schematic view for the most part in side elevation and inpart in section, and showing one embodiment of the system of thisinvention.

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of one of the sub-reservoir units, and

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sideelevation of the float operatedcontrol valve, being shown partly in section.

One embodiment of the system of this invention, as shown in theaccompanying drawing,

comprises a main reservoir A and sub-reservoirs B and C, arranged atdifferent levels below the main reservoir, it being understood that thesystem of this invention may consist of two or more reservoirs asdesired, and preferably arranged one higher than the other.

As here shown, the sub-reservoirs B and C are provided with water supplylines D and E leading from a gravity flow source, a well or the like,not shown, and adapted to continuously or intermittently supply waterthereto.

Extending from these sub-reservoirs are service pipe lines F and G,whereas a main service line H leads from the main reservoir A. As hereshown, the sub-reservoir service lines are con nected into the main lineH, and branch service lines J extend from said main line, there beingsuitable valves V controlling said main and branch lines.

As a means for supplying Water from one reservoir to another,gravitationally, said sub-reservoirs have feed lines K and L leadingthereto from said main line H.

To provide for pumping water from one subreservoir to the other, or fromsaid sub-reservoirs to said main reservoir, that is, to elevate waterfrom reservoir C to reservoir B and from reservoir B to main reservoirA, pump lines M and N are extended from pump sumps R and S to said mainline H. A plurality of pumps P are connected' with these pump lines andare controlled and operated, as will be hereinafter described.

Means is provided for automatically supplying water to thesub-reservoirs B and C, when the water therein drops below apredetermined level, this level as here shown being substantially thatof the outlets or weirs T over which water will flow into the sumps Rand S. This means comprises a float operated valve W in eachsub-reservoir. Each of said valves is alike and the one associated withthe unit B comprises a sleeve valve 2 slidable on the pipe K into andout of position to close the outlet ports 3 in said pipe. A float 4 isadapted to raise and lower said valve, being connected thereto by member5.

It will be noted that means is provided for automatically operatingpumps P when the water in the sub-reservoirs rises above saidpredetermined level and flows through weirs T into the sumps R and S.This operation takes place only when the supply from lines D and Eexceeds the water user or service demand from said sub-reservoirs. Ashere provided, this means comprises float operated circuit closers Ywhich will operate one or more of the pumps P, dependent on the rate offlow of the excessive supply into the sub reservoirs, whereby to gaugethe pumping operation therewith. Each float operated control devicecomprises a float 6 operating in the sub-reservoir, as does float 4.Through a lever l, ratchet segment 8 and pinion 9, this float operates acircuit closer or pump control means, indicated at l0.

It is not deemed necessary to illustrate the particular circuit closeror pump control means 10 inasmuch as I may use any such device which,dependent on the extent of rotation of the pinion 9, will cause one ormore of the pumps P to operate, and wherein said movement of said pinionis determined by the level of the water in the sub-reservoir.

In the operation of the system, it is seen that, for example, when thewater in the sub-reservoir B, due to the service demand, drops below thepredetermined level, which level is substantially on the plane of theoutlet or weir T, the float 4. will descend and lower valve 2, wherebyto uncover ports 3 and allow a gravity feed of water intosaidsub-reservoir from the main reservoir A through the pipe lines H and K.As soon as the water rises to said level, the float 4 will ascend andmove the valve 2 so as to close ports 3 and thereby shut off the flowfrom the main reservoir A. Should the service demand from sub-reservoirB be such that the water therein will rise over said predetermined.level and flow over weir T into sump R, the float 6 will rise and,through lever 1, ratchet segment 8 and pinion 9, cause the means ID- tostart the pumping means P. If the rise. above said predetermined levelis slight, but a slight rotation is given pinion 9, and but one of thepumps Pis operated, said one pump having suificient capacity to elevatewater from sump R through lines M and H to the main reservoir A.However, should the volume or water above the water user demand be suchthat float 6 will rise, and the overflow into the sump will be increasedand require an additional pumping effort, then the means ID will causethe other pumps Pto operate to meet the pumping demand.

It is, therefore, apparent that the pumping of water to the mainreservoir to provide the necessary storage supply will be intermittentand only required; when the supply in the sub-reservoirs exceeds theservice demands. Thus, only the water in excess of. the service demandwill be pumped to the main reservoir and a consequent saving inoperating costsis provided for.

It will be noted that when a plurality of subreservoirs are employed, ashere shown, should, for example, the reservoir C have a service de mandwhich would lower the water below said predetermined level, then waterwill flow from reservoir B through service lines F and H, and feed lineL. into reservoir C. As the level in reservoir B is thus lowered, thevalve W therein operates as hereinbefore noted to replenish thesupplyfrom the main reservoir A.

Should the water in reservoir C rise suiiiciently to flow over the weirT thereof into sump S, then the control means Y causes the pumps P toelevate the water from said sump through the pump line. N, main line,service line F and into reservoir B. Should the water user demand onreservoir 3 equal at this time the supply thereto from line D and thereservoir C, the main reservoir will not be called upon to supply waterto the system.

It will now be seen that with the system of this invention awellbalanced storage and distribution of the water is provided for with anicety of regulation and a low operating cost.

The valve W is especially constructed for the equipment of thisinvention and it is important to note that it includes an adjustablesealing means which will insure a leak-proof closing action at alltimes. This means provides a double seat or seal in that an inwardlyextending flange I2 on the lower end sleeve valve 2 is arranged to seatagainst a rubber or like seating ring l3 held in place by a shoulder l4,and the upper end of said valve is adapted to seat against a similarring I5 vertically adjustably supported by a ring IS. The ring I6 isthreadedly adjustable on the pipe K, whereby the two sealing rings orseats may be properly spaced to'insure a leak-proof closing action.

While the system of this invention is primarily designed for use inconnection with water systems, I wish it to be understood that it mayalso be used for storing and supplying other liquid and fluids, such asoil, gasoline, etc.

What I claim is:

1... In a water storage and supply system, a

main reservoir, a sub-reservoir, means for supplying water tothesub-reservoir, a service pipe line-leading from said sub-reservoir,means operating; when water in the sub-reservoir drops below apredetermined level, to supply water thereto from said'rnain, reservoir,and means operating when water in the sub-reservoir rises above saidpredetermined level to pump water from said subreservoir to said mainreservoir.

2-. In, a water storage and supply system, a

main reservoir, a sub-reservoir, means for supplying water tothesub-reservoir from a source other than said main reservoir, a servicepipe line fordistributing water from said sub-reservoir, means operatingwhen the water in the sub-reservoir drops below a predetermined levelfor supplying water to said sub-reservoir from said main reservoir andfor shutting off said main reservoir supply when the water reaches saidpredetermined level, and pumping means operating when the water in thesub-reservoir rises above said predetermined level for forcing watertherefrom to: saidmain reservoir.

In. a water storage and supply system, a main reservoir, a.sub-reservoir, means for supplying water to the sub-reservoir from asource otherthatr saidmain reservoir, a service pipe line fordistributing water from, said sub-reservoir, means. operating when thewater in the sub-reservoir drops. below a predetermined level forsupplying water to said sub-reservoir from said main reservoir and forshutting off said main reservoir supply when the water reaches saidpredetermined level, and pumping means operating when the water the:sub-reservoir rises above said predetermined level for forcing watertherefrom to said main reservoir, and means which automatically variesthe volumetric capacity of said pumping means in proportion to the rateof volume variation above said predetermined level.

4. In awater storage and supply system, a main reservoir, asub-reservoir, means for supplying water to the subFreservoi-r, aservice pipe-line leading from said sub-reservoir, means operating when.the water. in the sub-reservoir drops below a predetermined level forsupplying water thereto from said main reservoir and for cutting offsaid main reservoir supply when the water rises to said predeterminedlevel,asump into which water flows from. said sub-reservoir when thesupply in the sub-reservoir rises above said predetermined level, meansoperating when water flows into said sump to pump water therefrom to themain reservoir at a volumetric rate proportionate to rate of flow intosaid sump.

5. In a water storage and supply system, a main reservoir, asub-reservoir, means for supplying water to the subreservoir, a servicepipe-line leading from said sub-reservoir, means operating when thewater in the sub-reservoir drops below a predetermined level forsupplying water thereto from said main reservoir and for cutting offsaid main reservoir supply when the water rises to said predeterminedlevel, a sump into which water flows from said sub-reservoir when thesupply in the sub-reservoir rises above said predetermined level, meansoperating when water flows into said sump to pump water therefrom to themain reservoir at a volumetric rate proportionate to rate of flow intosaid sump, and which automatically ceases operation when the supply insaid reservoir lowers to said predetermined level.

6. In a water storage and supply system a main reservoir, asub-reservoir, means for supplying water to thesub-reservoir from asource other than saidmain reservoir, a pipe-line for conveying water toand discharging water from said main reservoir, a service pipe fordischarging water from said sub-reservoir, a feed line for conductingwater from said main reservoir line to said subreservoir, valve meanscontrolling said feed line and operating when the water in thesub-reservoir drops below a predetermined level for opening said feedline, and which closes said feed line when the water rises to saidpredetermined level, a sump into which water flows from saidsubreservoir when the water supply in the latter rises above saidpredetermined level, a pump line leading from said sump to said mainreservoir line, and pumping means operating to pump water from said sumpthrough said pump and main reservoir lines to said main reservoir whenthe water in the sub-reservoir rises above said predetermined level.

7. In a water storage and supply system a main reservoir, asub-reservoir, means for supplying watertothe sub-reservoir from asource other than saidmain reservoir,apipe-line for conveying watertoanddischargingwaterfromsaidmainreservoir,a service pipe fordischarging water from said subreservoir, a feed line for conductingwater from said main reservoir line to said sub-reservoir, valve meanscontrolling said feed line and operating when the water in thesub-reservoir drops below a predetermined level for opening said feedline and which closes said feed line when the water rises to saidpredetermined level, a sump into which water flows from saidsub-reservoir when the water supply in the latter rises above saidpredetermined level, a pump line leading from saidsumpto said mainreservoir line, and pumping means operating to pump water from said sumpthrough said pump and main reservoir lines to said main reservoir whenthe water in the subreservoir rises above said predetermined level, saidservice line being connected with said main reservoir line,and avalve inthe main reservoir line at a point therein between said feed and servicelines.

8, In a water storage and supply system, reservoirs, means for supplyingwater thereto, service lines leading therefrom, means automaticallysupplying water from one to another of said reservoirs when the water inone of them drops below a predetermined level, means for pumping waterfrom one to another of said reservoirs when the water in one thereofrises above said predetermined level, and means controlled by the levelof I Water in said reservoirs for starting and stopping said pumpingmeans.

9. In a water storage and supply system, a main reservoir, asub-reservoir located at a lower level than the main reservoir, a mainreservoir service line, a sub-reservoir service line, means forsupplying water to the sub-reservoir from a source other than said mainreservoir, a sump into which water flows from said sub-reservoir, whenthe water in the latter rises above a predetermined level, a pump lineleading from said sump into said main line, a pump for forcing waterfrom said sump through the pump and main lines into said main reservoir,and float operated pump control means operating responsive to the riseof water above said predetermined level to start the pump and to shutoff the pump when the water falls below said predetermined level, a feedline for gravitationally supplying Water from said main service line tosaid sub-reservoir and a float operated valve which opens and closessaid feed line when the water falls below and rises above saidpredetermined level.

10. In a water storage and supply system, a main reservoir, asub-reservoir located at a lower level than the main reservoir, a mainreservoir service line, a sub-reservoir service line, means forsupplying water to the sub-reservoir from a source other than said mainreservoir, a sump into which water fiows from said sub-reservoir whenthe water in the latter rises above a predetermined level, a pump lineleading from said sump into said main line, a pump for forcing waterfrom said sump through the pump and main lines into said main reservoir,and float 0perated pump control means operating responsive to the riseof water above said predetermined level to start the pump and to shutoff the pump when the water falls below said predetermined level, a feedline for gravitationally supplying water from said main service line tosaid-sub-reservoir and a float operated valve which opens and closessaid feed line when the water falls below and rises above saidpredetermined level, and another subreservoir located below said firstnamed reservoir, said service line for the first named subreservoirbeing connected with the main service line, means for supplying water tosaid second named sub-reservoir, a service line for said second namedsub-reservoir, means operating when the level of the water in the secondnamed subreservoir drops below a predetermined point, for supplyingwater thereto from said first named sub-reservoir, and means operatingwhen the level of water in said second named sub-reservoir rises abovesaid predetermined point for pumping water therefrom into said firstnamed subreservolr.

11. In a water storage and supply system, two reservoirs, means forsupplying water to one of said reservoirs, a service line leading fromsaid one reservoir, means operating when the Water in said one reservoirdrops below a predetermined level, to introduce water thereto from theother reservoir, and means operating to pump water from said one to saidother reservoir when the water in said one reservoir rises above saidpredetermined level.

12. In a water storage and supply system, two reservoirs, means forsupplying water to one of said reservoirs, a service line leading fromsaid one reservoir, means operating when the water in said one reservoirdrops below a predetermined 2m Water from said sump through the pump andlevel, to introduce water thereto from the other reservoir, and meansoperating to pump water from said, one to said other reservoir when thewater in said one reservoir rises above said predetermined level, saidlast named means including a variable capacity pumping unit and meansoperated 'by and responsive to the variations in the level of the waterabove said predetermined level for varying the pumping action of saidunit.

13. In a water storage and supply system, a main reservoir, asub-reservoir located at a lower level than the main reservoir, a mainreservoir service line, a sub-reservoir service line, means forsupplying water to the sub-reservoir from a source other than said mainreservoir, a sump into which water flows from said sub-reservoir, whenthe water in the latter rises above a predetermined level, a pump lineleading from said sump into said main line, a pump for forcing mainlines into said main reservoir, and float operated pump control meansoperating responsive to the rise of water above said predetermined levelto start the pump and to shut off the-pump when the water falls belowsaid predetermined level, a feed line for gravitationally supplyingwater from said main service line to said subreservoir and a floatoperated valve which opens and closes said feed line when the waterfalls below and rises above said predetermined level, said valveincluding a sleeve valve member slidable on said feed line, said feedline having an outlet opening adapted to be opened and closed by saidvalve, sealing rings arranged above and

